Benjamin Pavard of FC Internazionale applauds the fans after the team’s victory during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Internazionale and FC Salzburg at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 24, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Benjamin Pavard is increasingly expected to start in the Inter defence for the Champions League Final against Paris Saint-Germain.
It kicks off in Munich on Saturday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT, 21.00 CET) and a winner of the trophy will be decided after 90 minutes, extra time or even a penalty shoot-out.
There had been some fitness concerns for the Nerazzurri in recent weeks, but everyone has had time to fully recover and return to training sessions.
Pavard back to his best for Inter
That includes Pavard, who is now tipped by Sky Sport Italia to start rather than Yann Bisseck in the back three.
The 29-year-old has been struggling with a series of injuries this season, missing six weeks with a muscular lesion, then sprained his ankle in late April.
There was also another muscular issue, but the France international is tipped to start against Paris Saint-Germain.
Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco are also the first choice wing-backs, with Lautaro Martinez back to full fitness alongside Marcus Thuram.
This would mean seven players who started the 2023 Champions League Final for Inter would also be lining up here.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan only came on as a substitute that time for Marcelo Brozovic.
As for Paris Saint-Germain, coach Luis Enrique continues to have one small doubt on his starting XI.
That is between Bradley Barcola and Desirè Douè in attack, completing the trident with Ousmane Dembele and ex-Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
When PSG reached the Champions League Final in 2020, the only player who started there and could do the same this weekend is Marquinhos.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter probable line-ups
PSG (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Barcola, Dembelè, Kvaratskhelia
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Thuram
